Missing Link between Pain and Depression

Clinicians have long known of a link between chronic pain and depression, but neuroscience researchers at Hokkaido University recently published research which documents the precise brains mechanism by which it happens and possible treatments for breaking the link. The researchers found that persistent pain caused changes in the neuronal pathway projecting from the brain region called the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, to another region, called the ventral tegmental area. This enhanced CRF signaling leads to suppression of the brain’s reward system, which leads to decreased pleasure and motivation. Ongoing experiments to block the excessive CRF signals may lead to drug treatments to mitigate the depressive effects of chronic pain. See the full article in Asian Scientist.